Dogo blames poor pitch for loss
by Humphrey Njoku 23 April 2012, 06:14
Coach of ABS, Kabir Dogo has berated NPL for giving approval to Emmanuel Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala to host Premier League matches.
Dogo's wards were defeated 0-2 at the pitch on Matchday 21 on Sunday and he heaped the entire blame on the bumpy and patchy ground.
"(The) Katsina-Ala stadium is a disgrace to the Premier League, I keeping wondering how such a bad, bumpy pitch got approval of the NPL to host matches.
"The pitch is not even good to host amateur matches. It frustrated my players and practically killed the game for us. It didn't allow ball to flow and didn't give us room to play our normal game.
"We were forced to play aerial game that we're not used to. We like to put the ball on the ground and run with it but the pitch made it simply impossible.
"Lobi are more at home with the pitch, it's a familiar terrain and they know how to come around it.
<>"That was why they were able to score two goals in the last 10 minutes. My players are young and tried to hold their more experienced side but caved in may be to tiredness or momentary loss of concentration.
"But the pitch was the worst culprit, it made us struggle throughout the game," he lamented to SuperSport.com.
Although the defeat leaves the llorin-based side at 26 points from a possible 60, Dogo told SuperSport.com that there is no cause for alarm.
<>"There is nothing to worry (about), as we'll overcome and work hard to pick wins in the next matches.
"This is an eye opener of what lies ahead, we have to steel ourselves if our dream of finishing very well will be realised," he said.
Lobi Stars' goals came from Moses Bunde in the 81th minute and Seriki Audu at the first minute of the added time.
